Welcome back readers; I hope this update finds you all well. And, I hope you enjoy this next installment. I loved reading your reviews, many of you loved the conversation between Earl and Tony. I loved writing that scene, because I felt it was needed. So thank you all for your responses, both critical and endearing. As I said, I accept all criticism and I appreciate everyone providing me with feedback, by leaving a comment or review. Now, let's check back into the story. Enjoy!
Six Months Later
Kerry awakes in bed alone, and as she looks around; she doesn't hear anything either. The house is eerily quiet. When she sits up, she looks over to Tony's side of the bed and sees a rose, with a note on the pillow.
She smiles, and as she reaches over and grabs the rose, then the note. She looks at her left hand. And as if she's seeing it for the first time. She beams. It reads, "Hello Mrs. Goldwyn. I didn't want to wake you. Both of my girls were sleeping so peacefully. So Josie and I are out for our walk. Then I'm going to run to town for some more dog food. I'll see you in a bit. Love you."
She beams seeing her legal name in print. She can't believe they're married. It's been a true whirlwind. As her pregnancy continued, she began to show much faster than she thought she would, and the idea of not acknowledging her pregnancy was going to become ridiculous. With the show being at the height of its success, and the growing fandom of Terry and Olitz shippers there was no way she could hide from the media much longer.
The more her belly grew, the more the rumors began to spread about the possible identity of her child's father. The inevitable was circling and everyone around them knew it. With her permission it was at that moment Judy's plan of her being seen out and about with various, in a dating environment was put into motion.
It was around this time Kerry also appreciated the Non-disclosure clauses that her cast mates signed previously. Because it felt like everyone around them had the power to out them at any point. For the first time since this journey began; she realized what Judy meant when she said it's all about the details.
Nonetheless, the plan didn't just include her dating other men, something herself, Tony, and their family and friends didn't like, but understood was a part of the game. The next phase included one man emerging as the father, and either becoming a potential husband or husband.
This was more of a hard sell to Tony than anyone else. She remembers how upset he was when she told him that detail. It was beyond crazy; especially since it needed to take place place two weeks after their wedding. Apparently, the buzz around the Terry phenomenon was growing by the second, with some vlogs running an array of stories with some elements of truth about them that was too close for comfort.
This prompted her to agree to move forward with the second phase of the plan, despite Tony being against it. She knew something had to be done to quiet the noise, and change the narrative, otherwise they'd be exposed and everything would fall apart.
Kerry's heart beat increases and she feels her stomach turning in the moment, as she recalls the emotions of the moment vividly, when she and Tony had their blow up. She'd never been worried before about them not being together since they'd reunited. But, she has to admit. Those few days when they were barely speaking gave her cause for concern. It was a difficult moment between them that mirrored the stress they endured when she found out she was pregnant. Something even till this day she still regrets, despite them moving past those days. In respect to their current situation, she'd never seen him more upset or unwilling to compromise.
Ironically enough, it was her dad who managed to talk him down off the emotional ledge. She wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't witnessed it herself. But, he did. After one conversation with her father, who she just knew was going to flip too, when he heard about Judy's plan at length. Surprisingly, Tony had a different perspective after speaking with him, and he was more excepting of the idea.
Post conversation with her dad. Tony called Judy and they discussed some details of the plan to ensure she knew how Tony felt about how they'd be proceeding. Kerry was relieved that Judy was able to put his mind at ease, advising there was nothing to worry about. Because the marriage was on paper only. There wasn't going to be a real ceremony, just fake paperwork filed for a license, and a story that she and Kerry will work on. She also explained that with the Kerry not discussing pertinent details about her personal life anyway, that would cover reporters asking questions once the story of the wedding is released. And, with TMZ being on their side, due to his friendship with Harvey, the plan is almost idiot proof.
Fortunately, this information did wonders for Tony, and he was able to handle the plan as it stood. Tony's new found acceptance of the situation impressed Kerry deeply. Upon discovering her father was the man behind her love's new perspective. She had to know what was said to change his mind.
When she asked her father for the details of their conversation; he smiled and said, "I just reminded him of what was most important. Bottom line, conventional thinking doesn't work in an unconventional situation. So why try to apply it?" Admittedly, that summed up their lives perfectly. There was nothing conventional or traditional about them or their relationship.
She recalls marveling at how the simplest thought was responsible for settling her husband's worries. But, it did. And she could see the sincerity in his eyes when he apologized for his behavior. The moment they shared, where he laid his head in her lap and she stroked his hair, as he promised to never again put his emotions before their future, or their family. Will forever be one of the most memorable private moments of their relationship.
Their love flourished through the ugliness of their struggle and she felt their bond get stronger; which was something she didn't know was possible. But it's true. They are more in love now, than ever before. And, she has her father to thank for his help; without his intervention. She's not sure if things would've been fixed between them.
However, when she thanked her father, he was quite modest. He told her that his words may have been a help to Tony, and something he needed to hear. But, Tony deserves the credit because he had to be willing to hear him for his words to matter. Which spoke to how much he loves her, and that is something he has to respect about Tony as a man, and now as his son in law. Because that for him was an indication of how good of a person he is in general, and how perfect he is for her as her husband and child's father. This was a moment she wasn't sure she'd ever have with her father. It was the moment she truly felt like he'd accepted their union.
At their wedding, which was a simple, small ceremony in their backyard with just her parents, his family and kids, and some of their closest friends including Columbus, Darby, Tom, Katie, and Jeff. Her father gave her away, but still. It didn't feel genuine. It felt like her father was holding back, as if something was on his mind. She'd asked him about it, but he constantly deflected. So, she let it be, till after they returned from their honeymoon. It was after the ceremony her mother told her, her father felt like the wedding was overshadowed by the secrecy of their situation and that made it difficult for him to enjoy it.
This news hurt her deeply to know that her father wasn't proud on her special day, and that he was so conflicted. In sharing her feelings with her mother. Her mom explained that that her father adores Tony, and knows that he's the right man for her. But. The situation is still one that is trying to bear.
Kerry understood her mother's response, and couldn't argue with it. Because she too felt the weight of the situation wearing on her at times, and it overshadowed her joy from time to time.
What Kerry realized in speaking with her mother was just how amazing her father's actions were in him stepping up, and being there for her husband when he needed the pep talk of a life time. The feelings of that moment now come back to her as she recalls scene in her mind, and she thinks about her conversation with her dad after speaking with her mom. She didn't know if her father was aware of her mom telling her how he felt on her wedding day. So, she simply thanked her dad once again for being such an amazing compliment to her life, and always looking out for her, even when he may not agree with her.
This touched her father greatly' Kerry tears up remembering the tears welling up in her father's eyes when they spoke. He was speechless, and he reached out his arms. She smiled and walked into his arms. He held her like he did when she was a little girl. The safety of her father's arms was everything to her. Everything bad was never so bad after her daddy's hugs. It was a special moment that warms her heart as she dabs her eyes with tissues. She knows now what's meant by the term, everything happens the way it happens for a reason. In seeing how everything unfolded, it all made sense and she was eternally grateful for how things came together in the end. Those hard moments had to happen, so that they could handle the series of events that happened next.
With everyone close to Tony and Kerry being briefed of what was to come. The second half of the plan was implemented and people seemed to hone in on the photos of her and Nnamdi Asomugha. By him being one of her childhood friend's younger brother. It was the easiest fake date she'd ever had. Plus, she'd been out before with him. And having her publicist dig up the older photos of them seen out together, was the best way to cement the possible story of them having a history.
And, he proved to be the gift that kept on giving as well. It helped that he too was in need of a favor of sorts. Despite having fathered three children by two different women; he was unmarried and from what his sister had confided in Kerry, he was gay. But trying to maintain a certain lifestyle so that he wouldn't embarrass their parents.
Being of Nigerian heritage; being gay is something not tolerated. Ergo, he'd tried to forge heterosexual relationships, but couldn't maintain them. So, this instance could be the one boost he needed for his image, as well as for his aspirations of getting into acting. With her connections, he could achieve his dream. And, with Kerry's clean cut image; being associated with her would do wonders in cleaning up his image.